FREEPORT, L.I. — There’s no doubt that the death of George Floyd has sparked outrage across the nation.
The protests sparked by his death has people from all ages standing up against injustice, including 7-year-old Wynta Amore Rogers from Freeport, Long Island.
The power and strength of her voice as she chants “No justice, no peace,” is undeniable.
“I want everybody to get together to make sure the community comes in. I just wanna make sure it’s not like back in the old days,” she tells PIX11 News.
A little girl with a powerful voice of conviction walked alongside her mother Lakyia Jackson and other protesters from Freeport to Merrick to stand up against police brutality and the death of George Floyd.
“She said ‘mom, please let’s go,’ I said no because it’s wet outside. She said ‘no, I want to go mom, I want to go’,” says Lakyia.
The anger and frustration from years of oppression can be felt across the country and on Long Island, where people from all walks of life and all ages are taking part in the mission to end discrimination. But it’s also sparked interest for parents, like Lakyia, to have conversations with their children about racism.
Many have responded to the viral video of Wynta-Amore on Instagram. Some positive, others not. Despite the backlash, Lakyia says she has no regrets.
“The negativity doesn’t bother me because at the end of the day this is what’s going on, and this is our future,” the Freeport mom tells PIX11 News. “So we have to let our future see what’s going on.”
When it comes to having the discussion about racism with children, Child and adult psychiatrist Dr Judith Joseph recommends having age appropriate conversations. For infants and toddlers, it begins with a simple hug, which says “you are safe.”
When it comes to kids ages four through six, she says to “explain to them the idea of fairness.” According to Dr. Joseph, older kids begin to realize who they are and where they fit into this world. They are more capable of understanding that concept of racism.
The images of racial hate may be scary for some children, says Joseph. So, it’s important to explain racism and protest in a way that’s not terrifying. Even though a child doesn’t experience racism, they can feel the affects of the tension and anxiety.
As for Wynta-Amore, she says she plans to continue the stand up for equality and bridge the gap between black and white to make a difference like Martin Luther King Jr.
